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Following is a question by the Hon Choy So-yuk and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, in the Legislative Council today (November 27):

Question:

It has been reported that the Asia Society, with its headquarters in the United States, has applied to the Government for the grant of the site of the former British armoury at Admiralty by way of a private treaty, for setting up the Society's branch office in Hong Kong. Underneath the site is a military cable which was used for transmitting highly confidential information in the past. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it is aware of the existence of a military cable underneath the site; the present condition of the cable; and whether it is being connected to any apparatus;

(b) in considering the above land grant application, whether it has consulted the Central Government's organ which is responsible for the defence of Hong Kong; if it has, when it was consulted and whether the Central Government has consented to the application; if it has not, how jeopardy to national security will be prevented; and

(c) of the general procedures for processing applications for land grant by private treaty and the normal processing time for each procedure; and whether the Asia Society's land grant application is dealt with in accordance with these procedures?

Reply:

Madam President,

The Asia Society Hong Kong Centre (the Society) has submitted an application to the Lands Department for a private treaty grant of the former Explosives Magazine site at Justice Drive, Admiralty for it to set up a multi-purpose centre, so as to preserve the historical buildings and structures there, and to provide facilities for organising various programmes and activities to promote the arts and culture as well as to enhance public understanding of the Asia Pacific region.

At present, the application by the Society is being processed by relevant departments. The Security Bureau and the Lands Department have indicated that they have no records showing the existence of any military cables underneath the site. In processing the application, we will pay attention to this issue. If necessary, we will consult the relevant bodies.

In general, when the Government receives an application for a private treaty grant of land, it will negotiate with the applicant. As the issues discussed vary from case to case, there is no specific timetable for processing an application. This application from the Society is also processed in accordance with the established procedures.

End/Wednesday, November 27, 2002

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